Work/Life Training and Education
Work/Life offers workshops on a variety of issues either by request from departments or by open enrollment in classes. Topics include, but are not limited to: caregiving for children and teenagers, self-compassion for caregivers, relaxation strategies, and financial literacy.
The regular practice of mindfulness meditation has a demonstrable impact on psychological and physical health, improving mood, decreasing stress, strengthening the immune system, and supporting sleep.
Be Well at Work Employee Assistance and Work/Life invite faculty and staff to join us for a monthly meditation group which will offer a moment of relaxation and rejuvenation during the work day. Each month will focus on a beneficial intention to guide us.
No registration is required and no prior experience with meditation is necessary. All are welcome.
Virtually
- First Wednesday of the month at 12:15 - 12:45 pm
- Third Thursday of the month at 2 pm - 2:20 pm
If you would like these sessions added to your bCal for scheduling notifications and the Zoom link, please email kpatchell@berkeley.edu
For requests: Please contact kpatchell@berkeley.edu if you would like to request a 10, 20, or 30-minute mindful meditation for your department.
ENROLLMENT
UC Berkeley and LBNL Faculty, Staff, Visiting Scholars, and Postdocs:
- Click on the “enroll here” hyperlink to take you to the UCB Learning Center.
- Enter your CalNet Passphrase.
- Click "Submit."
Spring 2024 Parenting Workshops
Planning Your Pregnancy Leave
Thursday, February 15th, noon - 1 pm via Zoom
Speakers: Yvette Escobar, Leaves Analyst, Sheila Blake, Leaves Analyst, Kristin Rissanen Ikuta, UCB Academic Personnel, Gabe Schmidt, Healthcare Facilitator, Jurrisha Johnson, Lead Leaves Coordinator
Are you thinking about starting a family? This workshop will provide information on leave policies, disability benefits, use of income supplements: sick/vacation/pto/pfcb, etc., and options on when/how to return to work after having a child for both academic and staff employees.
Practicing Self-Compassion for Working Parents
Thursday, March 14th, Noon - 1 pm via Zoom
Speaker: Karen Patchell, Be Well at Work Work/Life
The demands of caregiving children and teenagers, while also working, can keep us so busy and overloaded, that we are often unable to find time to think about or nurture our own needs. This can put us at risk of overwhelm, burnout, and heightened self-criticism. Join us for this interactive workshop which will focus on understanding self-compassion, how we can be kinder to ourselves during moments of stress, and strategies for turning fault-finding into recognition of all that we hold.
Breastfeeding Your Baby/Returning to Work or School
Tuesday, April 2nd, 1 pm - 4:15 pm via Zoom
Speakers: Tina Benitez / Tomas Handelsman
This 3-hour class is taught by a certified lactation consultant and is broken up into two parts. The first portion of the class, 1-3 pm, addresses breastfeeding basics and problem solving. The second portion of the class, 3:15-4:15 pm, covers returning-to-work planning and breast pumps. Those who have already attended a breastfeeding class are welcome to join the last portion of the class.
Spring 2024 Financial Workshops
Create the Budget, Ditch Your Debt **CANCELLED**
Tuesday, February 6th, noon - 1 pm via Zoom
This class offers manageable strategies and tools that can help you get a handle on spending and borrowing. It also covers how to develop a smart budget and ways to manage debt.
Register
529 College Savings Plans
Thursday, March 7th, Noon - 1 pm, via Zoom
Speaker: James Palen, ScholarShare 529
How you save and plan for your loved one’s education goals matters. The way you save and allocate for college savings dictates the investments you have access to, the tax status of your funds for education expenses, and even has an impact on the needs-based financial aid your loved one is eligible to receive. Join us for a college savings workshop to help you better navigate the college savings arena. During this workshop, we will discuss:
- Paying for college “The basics”
- The cost of higher education Different ways to save
- Is ScholarShare 529 the right plan for you and your family
- Getting Started Making the most of existing accounts (resources)
- The Matching Grant Program and CalKids Q&A
Fundamentals of Retirement Income Planning
Thursday, March 21st, Noon - 1 pm via Zoom
This class can help you learn how to determine when retirement is feasible based on projected savings and expected financial challenges in retirement. It also covers estimating how long savings may last with a solid retirement income plan.
Elder Care Training and Education
The Elder Care program offers monthly educational workshops and webinars on topics related to elder care and caregiver resilience. The workshops are presented by professionals and experienced caregivers. These workshops are open to current UC Berkeley and LBL employees and generally take place on a weekday from 12:10-1:30 pm.